Top 5 Free Things to Do in Telluride, Colorado
Take a much-needed break to a locale full of four-seasons fun, fresh mountain air, and small-town charm. Point your compass to Colorado and Telluride and enjoy it all. Planning and executing vacation plans can become time-consuming and expensive. Give your wallet a little relief and add in some activities and experiences that a free of charge! There are a variety of free things to do in Telluride, from educational opportunities to getting out and enjoying the great outdoors of Telluride and the surrounding area.
Downtown Telluride
Wander historic Telluride. The historic downtown area was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1964, due to its significant role in the history of the American West. Visit the town museum and learn about the town’s evolution, all the way from Ute tribe summer camp up to the mountain ski mecca many come to enjoy today. Shop in stores and boutiques, many of which are housed in some of the original buildings that date back to the 1800s. It’s free to explore the area, and visit the shops, but you’ll want some money for purchases that may result from all the browsing!
San Miguel Public Library District #1 was created in 1975. That’s over 40 years as an official library district, but the history of the library goes back to the mid-sixties when a bookmobile came to Telluride once a week. Around this time, Larry and Betty Wilkinson arrived in town and met with the town’s fire department to request a community library space in the Quonset hut that once stood next to the current elementary school. The Quonset hut library was open two or three days a week, three or four hours a day. The collection consisted of local donations and discarded books from other libraries. The entire donation-only budget went toward coal for heat. Check out this incredible library!
Hiking & Mountain Biking
Colorado is full of hiking and biking trails that take you through the state’s natural beauty. Hike some of the area’s most popular paths, like the San Miguel River Trail, the trails leading to Bridal Veil Falls or Bear Creek Falls, or Jud Wiebe Trail. Challenge yourself with the most difficult hike in all of Telluride – the Sneffels Highline Loop – or take it a little slower with moderate trails like Black Bear Pass or Blue Lakes Trail. In the winter, come back for fat-tire biking, a different experience that requires negotiating not just the mountain terrain, but also the snow.
San Juan Skyway
Take a day out of your busy schedule and take a road trip. The road, which is over 230 miles and includes state highways and routes, is a stunning and picturesque drive you won’t want to miss. It’s considered part of the Colorado Scenic & Historic Byway, and links towns like Durango, Silverton, Ouray, and of course, Telluride. It loops through two national forests in the southwest Colorado region. Considered one of the most striking sections is the 23-mile section between Silverton and Ouray known as the Million Dollar Highway. You’ll want to take it slow through here, considering the number of steep drop-offs and lack of guardrails in certain areas.
The public park is free to visit and includes a variety of park amenities. There are expansive grassy areas, and perfect picnic spots. Enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, fishing pond, or skate park. Other amenities include two playgrounds, and sport courts, too. For winter fun, there is sledding, ice skating, and open space for cross-country skiing.
There are a number of outdoor festivals that take place at park facilities as well. Although these are paid admission, the sounds of Bluegrass, Jazz, and other music is unavoidable while outside.
Bonus: Free Gondola
It’s also another mode of transportation. It’s great for a bird’s eye view tour of Telluride, and also a way to get around. Hop on in either Mountain Village or Telluride. The 13-minute one-way ride is handicap-accessible, pet-friendly, and is outfitted with the proper accessory racks for the season. The gondola offers bike racks in the summer season, and ski and snowboard racks for the winter. Attendants are there to help you secure your equipment properly. Travel all the way to the top or pause at the midpoint – San Sophia Station – for access to hiking and biking trails.
Great Value for Your Vacation Accommodation Dollars
You came to the area on an adventure you hoped would be full of fun and excitement. You’re also trying to save a little bit of money by seeking out some free things to do in Telluride to keep the budget under control. One of the low-cost decisions you’ll make is booking a vacation rental with Lodging In Telluride. Our vacation rentals are affordable while still offering all the comforts of home and vacation fun and relaxation.
After your day’s adventures, make a meal in your unit’s fully equipped kitchen. Snuggle in for a favorite movie or stretch out and warm up next to the fire in an open living space. Choose a cozy efficiency-style unit for a solo or sweetheart escape, all the way up to a sprawling six-bedroom home for an adventure with all your loved ones.
